Page 89 of Eternal

“I can’t believe I let you talk me into this outfit.”

“You look hot, Teal. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.”

“I doubt it.” I tug at the hem of my skirt, but it doesn’t do me any good. “How mad is Patience that we’re going to this party tonight? I heard you two arguing when I was doing my hair.”

“She’ll get over it.” Mila rolls her eyes, fixing her ponytail.

Her red dress is shorter than mine, barely covering her ass. She’s paired it with a black leather jacket, but it’s unzipped, showing off her cleavage.

“I don’t think Patience will ever justget over itwhen it comes to this place.” I circle the car to meet Mila in the driveway.

She loops her arm through mine. “Well, then that’s on her.”

“She hates me for talking to Declan.”

“She can’t hold Declan against you any more than she holds Kole against Violet.”

“It doesn’t seem to stop her.”

Mila frowns. “Declan represents the House to her since he’s the president. But she’ll work it out. Just give her time and try not to let it get to you. We both know how Patience processes things when she’s angry.”

“She has a right to be.” I sigh. “After what they did to Alex, her feelings are valid.”

“What happened to him is wrong, yes. But it doesn’t mean she should let it destroy all her friendships. Do you think Alex would want that? He’s already suffered enough without his sister voluntarily adding herself to the victim list. Besides… karma. The people responsible will get what’s coming to them.”

“And who’s really responsible? Patience seems to think it’sDeclan.”

Mila shrugs. “Only Alex knows, I guess.”

“Speaking of Alex…” I smirk at her. “Does Patience know how many times you’ve gone to see her brother this past week?”

I’m not usually at Montgomery Psychiatric Ward more than twice a month, but with the recent adjustments to my prescriptions, I’ve been there three times this week. And each time I’ve gone to wait in Alex’s room for my appointment, Mila’s already been there, talking to him or reading a book.

It’s not unusual for her to tag along when Patience visits, but Patience has been nowhere in sight.

“Not exactly.” Mila purses her lips, attempting to bury a smile. “But he deserves company, and I know Patience has been busy studying for finals, so I figured I might as well check in. He needs to know people haven’t just forgotten about him.”

“He doesn’t seem to mind your visits.” I smile.

“Who knows—”

“Mila, I visit him multiple times a month, and he’s never so much as looked at me. And I’ve known him since we were kids. But with you… it’s different. I can’t explain it, but trust me, it is.”

Mila tugs her lower lip between her teeth. “I talk a lot. For all I know, he’s staring at me, wondering when I’m going to leave him alone.”

“Doubt it.”

We pass through the main gate to Sigma House, and I glance up at the large iron skulls. They’re a dare to anyonewho enters that they might not make it out with their soul.

“Don’t say anything to Patience, okay?” Mila grabs my hand and squeezes. “She’s protective of him, and I don’t want her thinking anything.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t.”

With Patience already frustrated with me and Violet, the last thing I want to do is throw Mila under the bus. She needs a friend before she isolates herself completely, and Mila’s doing her best to be that no matter how much Patience pushes.

I just hope someday Patience remembers the girl she was before her brother was admitted to the psychiatric ward. Every day he spends there, she gets colder and more closed off.

If she doesn’t loosen up soon, she won’t have any more friends.